National AI Awards 2025Discover AI's trailblazers! Join us to celebrate innovation and nominate industry leaders.

Nominate & Attend

Senior Optical Engineer

Draper Labs
Cambridge
1 month ago
Create job alert

Overview:

Draper is an independent, nonprofit research and development company headquartered in Cambridge, MA. The 2,000+ employees of Draper tackle important national challenges with a promise of delivering successful and usable solutions. From military defense and space exploration to biomedical engineering, lives often depend on the solutions we provide. Our multidisciplinary teams of engineers and scientists work in a collaborative environment that inspires the cross-fertilization of ideas necessary for true innovation. For more information about Draper, visit www.draper.com.

Job Description Summary:

The Sr Member of the Technical Staff (SMTS) designs and develops, multi-physics sensor technologies and systems, not limited to optics and RF. Makes recommendations for requirements, lead trade studies, and do concept designs. Interacts with hardware and software design teams to determine the qualification and manufacturability of new technologies. Must be US citizen eligible for clearance.

Job Description:

Duties/Responsibilities
* Designing, analyzing, integrating components with optical devices, and demonstrating device prototypes.
* Develops, builds and tests systems and products based on optic, photonic and laser technologies.
* Interacts with device, hardware and software design teams to develop optical systems; specifying, selecting and qualifying active and passive optical components, developing and benchmarking system performance models.
* Develop and implement test procedures and/or evaluating and selecting appropriate test instrumentation.
* Provides multi-discipline support to instrumentation production by resolving technical issues associated with components, parts, products or systems.
* Testing of new and existing designs and documentation of changes through a formal engineering change notification process.
* Provides recommendations for cost reduction efforts.
* Applies quantitative analysis in determining root cause of highly technical problems and propose, develop and implement solutions for corrective action.
* Develops and maintain effective internal/external relationships.
* Drives solutions to complex problems with limited direction - contribute to requirements development, propose ways forward, and adapt appropriately to changes in requirements
* Able to provide insight and suggest design modifications based on analysis outcomes, and to apply analysis techniques across a range of technical disciplines.
* Identify program/system-level technical risks and develop and execute mitigation strategies for them.
* Actively mentor less experienced engineers and provide thoughtful, constructive feedback.
* Performs other related duties as assigned.

Skills/Abilities
* Proficiency in digital and analog electronics circuit design, high-performance, real-time embedded firmware development.
* Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
* Excellent mathematical skills.
* Excellent mechanical skills.
* Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
* Excellent time management skills with the proven ability to meet deadlines.
* Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
* Ability to prioritize tasks.
* Thorough understanding of engineering theories and procedures.

Education
Requires a bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field. Masters or PhD degree preferred.

Experience
5-10 years experience Optical Engineering experience or related field required.

Additional Job Description:

Connect With Draper for Future Opportunities! If you don't find the right posting in our Career Opportunities, you may submit your resume for future consideration.

Job Location - City:

Cambridge

Job Location - State:

Massachusetts

Job Location - Postal Code:

02139-3563

Our work is very important to us, but so is our life outside of work. Draper supports many programs to improve work-life balance including workplace flexibility, employee clubs ranging from photography to yoga, health and finance workshops, off site social events and discounts to local museums and cultural activities. If this specific job opportunity and the chance to work at a nationally renowned R&D innovation company appeals to you, apply nowwww.draper.com/careers.

Draper is committed to creating an inclusive environment. We understand the value of inclusivity and its impact on a high-performance culture. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Draper is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, please contact .


#J-18808-Ljbffr

Related Jobs

View all jobs

Optical Microscopy Support Specialist

Senior Optical Design Engineer

Senior Condensed Matter Physicist

Graduate / Senior Materials Engineer

Senior Scientist Genomics - Pathogena

(Associate) Principal Scientist - Antibody Engineering

National AI Awards 2025

Subscribe to Future Tech Insights for the latest jobs & insights, direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.

Industry Insights

Discover insightful articles, industry insights, expert tips, and curated resources.

10 Biotechnology Recruitment Agencies in the UK You Should Know (2025 Job‑Seeker Guide)

The UK’s biotech boom—fueled by the £650 million Life Sciences Vision Fund and rapid mRNA, cell & gene‑therapy adoption—continues to outpace talent supply. Lightcast reported +45 % year‑on‑year growth in UK adverts mentioning “CRISPR”, “GMP bioprocess” or “cell therapy” during Q1 2025. Yet only about 25,000 specialised biotech professionals work nationwide, while monthly live vacancies average 1,800–2,100. All data verified 22 July 2025; re‑audit quarterly for freshness.. Specialist recruiters remain critical for tapping stealth roles, benchmarking salaries and streamlining the lab‑tour interview gauntlet. We reviewed 60 + consultancies and kept only agencies with: A registered UK head office (Companies House). A dedicated Biotechnology / Life‑Sciences practice. At least five UK biotech roles advertised between March and June 2025. Below you’ll find a hiring‑landscape snapshot, a quick directory of 10 vetted agencies, salary medians, in‑demand skills, interview expectations, FAQs and next steps—mirroring our AI and quantum guides.

Biotech Jobs Skills Radar 2026: Emerging Tools, Platforms & Technologies to Learn Now

The UK biotechnology sector is entering a new era—fuelled by AI integration, synthetic biology, and next-gen diagnostics. With biotech investment breaking records and a surge in demand for skilled talent across R&D, biomanufacturing, and regulatory fields, it’s vital for job seekers to future-proof their skillsets. Welcome to the Biotech Jobs Skills Radar 2026—a forward-looking guide to the emerging tools, lab techniques, platforms, and digital skills driving hiring in the UK's biotechnology industry. This radar is updated annually to help students, researchers, and transitioning professionals stay competitive in a fast-changing landscape.

How to Find Hidden Biotechnology Jobs in the UK Using Professional Bodies like the RSB, BIA, BioIndustry Association & More

The UK biotechnology sector is thriving. From cutting-edge gene therapies and synthetic biology to bio-manufacturing and agricultural innovation, the demand for skilled biotech professionals continues to grow. Yet many of the best opportunities—particularly in early-stage companies, startups, and research-intensive roles—are never listed on conventional job boards. So where do these hidden biotech jobs live? Often, they’re shared through word-of-mouth, member networks, or professional communities—especially those associated with leading biotech institutions and associations. Whether you’re a graduate looking for your first role, a research scientist ready to move into industry, or a regulatory professional seeking your next challenge, joining the right professional bodies can give you exclusive access to job leads, collaborations, and insider opportunities. In this article, we’ll show you how to strategically leverage UK-based organisations such as the Royal Society of Biology (RSB), BioIndustry Association (BIA), and Biotech and Life Sciences Networks to uncover hidden jobs and build a long-term, sustainable career in biotechnology.